Definition of languorousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective languorous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of languorous are lackadaisical, languid, listless, and spiritless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

When is it sensible to use lackadaisical instead of languorous?

In some situations, the words lackadaisical and languorous are roughly equivalent. However, lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When can languid be used instead of languorous?

The synonyms languid and languorous are sometimes interchangeable, but languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness.

was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery

When would listless be a good substitute for languorous?

While in some cases nearly identical to languorous, listless suggests a lack of interest caused by physical weakness or dissatisfied boredom.

listless hospital patients
listless children flipping through picture books on a rainy day

In what contexts can spiritless take the place of languorous?

The meanings of spiritless and languorous largely overlap; however, spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of languorous The prevailing trend, and antidote to turbulent, ever-changing times, was rather zen, languorous and quieting. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2025 And throughout a 100-minute show, Cain recounted the story of a preacher’s daughter through wailing vocals, haunting drones, and meditative, languorous chants. Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Sep. 2025 Planned or not, that mess is smoothed out as the film proceeds, and Washington’s performance goes from languorous and dazed to razor-sharp and darkly humorous—reminiscent of the work he’s done for Lee in the past. David Sims, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2025 Summer ’25 is all about languorous mornings and late afternoon bike rides with fresh baguettes in the basket. Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for languorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languorous
Adjective
  • Couple his extroverted on-pitch personality and his, in theory, imposing 6ft 4in (195cm) frame that can be equally languid and driving in style, Onana should have all the characteristics to play among the elite.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Through heightened control of imagery and mood, attention to composition and texture and sound, Manuel turns this simple, languid setting into something far more sinister without ever betraying the beauty of what’s onscreen.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Spurs are hapless, listless, shapeless, themeless, hopeless.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Tuesday night was one of those situations as the Blackhawks were listless for the better part of three quarters.
    Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Some regard sociology as a gut major that caters to lackadaisical students.
    Wendy Nelson Espeland, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The defense was lackadaisical at best, while the offense wasn’t much better.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • While a few icons have grown tired (like the Fontainebleau Miami Beach and Eden Roc Miami Beach, missing from this list), several have recently poured money into renovations, including the Mayfair House and Gardens; Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, which just reopened; and the Delano Miami.
    Devorah Lev-Tov, Robb Report, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Bell remembered during the Stars on Ice tour in 2022 when the skaters rolled into a new city, tired, groggy and sore from the long bus ride, Liu, dressed in a baggy hoodie and billowing sweatpants, could go on the ice and throw perfect jumps without warning.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The Chiefs turned that spiritless first half into a 28-7 blowout Monday night against the Commanders, opening the second half with touchdown drives of 80, 75 and 94 yards.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025
  • From spiritless spirits to refusing to open up a bar tab, members of Generation Z are continuing to challenge alcohol traditions.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But on the day the deal closed last week, Esnard sounded less jubilant and more exhausted.
    Scott Horsley, NPR, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Marc Maron, who helmed his engaging and transgressive interview show WTF for 13 years, is a Jersey Boy who sounds plaintive and exhausted.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The pictures show two limp pieces of zucchini and what appear to be a charred, moldy pepper on a small baguette.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026
  • If your aloe vera plant isn’t getting enough water, its leaves will look thinner than usual or become limp or curled.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • One of those efforts, the super PAC Leading the Future, has already raised $125 million from sources including the backers of Palantir and OpenAI for the midterms — huge sums of money for races that were once often sleepy.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Sweden has been sleepy and out to lunch.
    Chris Pronger, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Languorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languorous. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

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